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Microsoft's new Windows 8 operating system has been widely available now for several months and has been the source of extensive controversy among long-time Windows users. We took a look back at the many comments our readers have submitted and found a few common themes among the pros and cons of Windows 8.

Some users love it and some users hate it. Unfortunately, the majority of comments fall into the 'hate it' category. If you've made the switch to Windows 8, we hope you'll share your feedback below. Often we hear from the critics first, while those who "love it" or at least "like it" are less likely to chime in.

Issues with the Learning Curve

Nick, a recent commenter who clearly hates Windows 8, asks: "Why would you put out a new operating system that promises updated speed and functionality, but delivers it in a package that is difficult to use?" In his opinion, Windows 8 requires having to "relearn everything."

Nick says he agrees with another commenter who wrote, "It takes 3 times as long to do anything that's not Facebook or email related. I will admit," he wrote, "for strictly leisure tasks (photos, videos, etc.), this is a good upgrade from Windows 7. However, if you need to get anything other than that (like work) done, you will be extremely frustrated. If it wasn't for Flash player and the high price of Apple equipment, I'd never come back to MS."

Familiarity and Fun Factor

On the other hand, Dr. Mike says Windows 8 "takes about 1 week to get used to it, but once you do, you will really like it. You can open the 'desktop' tile and essentially convert to Windows 7, but the new Windows 8 gives Windows a 'fun factor' that has been lacking."

Dr. Mike says he thinks it is "going to take some time to get used to it," but he disagrees with the critics here. "As more and more people use it, especially in tablets and convertible PCs," he predicts "Windows 8 is going to be a huge winner."

Specific Advice

Another recent commenter who goes simply by 'E' says: "Out of the box, Windows 8 makes basic stuff like starting and stopping applications, and closing down the system a multi seek and click affair. When doing actual work, I find it essential to be able to see several windows on the screen at once. Windows 8 likes to pop up apps covering the whole screen. This is just plain wrong in a work context."

Working at home can also be complicated with the new operating system, E points out. "The practice within my family of simply sharing a Windows account, apps and documents on the desktop, is also an issue. This is due to the tight integration to an email account. Windows 8 appears to be designed for: one user = one email = one desktop -- as far as I can tell." E found a work-around for the difficulty, but not without compromise. "I have learned to live with Windows 8 by using the ClassicShell.net start menu on top and setting the family up with a shared email account.

On the plus side, E says, "Actually, I think the speed, security and 'apps' approach of Windows 8 could have made this OS into an outright winner." But ultimately, because of the inconveniences, E concludes the current state of Windows 8 is "a bit sad."

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back

Some other useful commentary comes from Hoody, who writes, "I don't like the look of the GUI at all, reminds me of W98 with a mess of icons on the desktop. I would also go back to W7 if I had the Pro version, but I had the Home Premium and wanted to move to the Pro version. So, I took the deal for new computer buyers: 15 bucks was a deal to go Pro and the media center thrown in for free."

Since making the change Oct. 26th, Hoody writes, "I have redone things to at least think I have W7 back, all except the Aero. I found a 3rd party start menu (start8), found the old MS games, and even found a gadgets progam (8gadgets), so it's at least in a workable way."

Hoody hopes that Microsoft will come out with a patch of some sort "to allow non touch desktop and laptop users the same interface as W7." The way Microsoft Windows 8 is configured out of the box for ALL users, Hoody concludes, "wasn't exactly the best idea, and it's going to be nothing but a headache for MS."

Another perspective comes from Don, who says, "I work for a store that sells laptops and desktops. Most people do not like Windows 8. I have heard IT folks talk about lack of drivers and incompatibility issues. I personally don't like it. I have it on my system at home because I have to be familiar with it to explain it to customers, but I would go back to Windows 7 in a heartbeat."

Attention Microsoft

Aaron offers a laundry list of helpful feedback on Windows 8, saying: "If Microsoft reads forums like these, they need to listen up. Here are some of the main points people don't like and the issues they need to fix:

No Start button.

Tile interface is bulky, confusing and hard to use.

Normal programs like Windows Media Player and Control Panel are difficult to find and require customization to be able to locate easily.

Why did you change Windows 7, which was perfectly useable, into this debacle? Think about changing it back to resemble and restore all the conveniences of Windows 7, make the tile interface optional instead of mandatory, definitely restore the Start button.

The average user is not an advanced techie, they can't figure out difficult operating systems. Make things easier to use, not more difficult, and much more user friendly.

Aaron concludes that, "Windows 8 is a lemon, not the wave of the future. It's OK for touch devices, but don't expect half the world to rush out and buy expensive gadgets just so they can use Windows 8, the world doesn't care. If it's not possible to conveniently use the same operating system on both touch and non-touch devices, then create two operating systems, not just one big loser." Ouch.

Lemon Like

Harpula also characterizes Windows 8 as a lemon, offering an interesting assessment of its pros and cons.

Win8 Pros:

It crashes less. Slightly.

Flashier.

Starts up faster. Slightly.

Permissions are more customizable when running unknown programs. That's a plus.

Win8 Cons:

Every time I want to move my mouse to another application, some screen pops up and sends me out of whack.
Took me almost 15 minutes to learn to shut down the thing. While searching on Google.

Where is my control panel?

Chrome doesn't work right on this.

Neither does Firefox.

Half my software I use for Win7 no longer works here.

It's not as bad as ME or Vista, but it's definitely a lemon.

More Detractors

Craig S. agrees that Microsoft had taken some steps backwards on Windows 8: "Eye candy is a great strategy for marketing. But when you give up functionality you lose. Microsoft has had a few losers over the years, and I feel this one is headed that way!"

Meanwhile, a commenter named Ken said he "upgraded to Windows 8 and have been sorry ever since." Unfortunately, he's not alone.

Another commenter said he hates the absence of the Windows Start menu, and, "When I try to enter information in a Web site or in an e-mail, symbols will not type out, such as: the @ sign for an e-mail address, the $ sign, etc. When I try to get assistance from Microsoft, I am forwarded to an independent IT company that wants $90.00 to help me with a software issue....NO WAY."

Windows 8 Lovers Point Out the Benefits

Despite all the "hater" comments, some users are applauding the all-new Windows 8. A user named "Paul" said he recently bought Windows 8 Pro. He called it "amazing" and "one of the best things Microsoft has brought out."

"I say it's better than Windows 7 and faster. It's well worth buying and don't miss out cause when you see it for yourself, you will fall in love," Paul wrote. "Yes, it is complicated, but when you get used to it, then you won't want to leave it alone. My rating is a five star and I give it 100% for its speed, etc." Paul advises, "Buy it now and enjoy it. I am and so are many more people."

Another user who called himself "Jlp" said he had been using Windows 8 since its release on a non-touch desktop and called it a "joy."

Dazzy agrees: "I'm in the 'love it' category. It took getting used to. Made me feel like a novice again, but when I learned the interface, it is fun, fast and refreshing. LOVE the music integration."

Parting Thoughts

A commenter named LogicalMachine is no fan of Windows 8 for his own work as a computer programmer, but he does think it's good for novices. He says the pros include being faster, more efficient, and what he calls "moron friendly." Get Windows 8 if you dont know a thing about computers, he advises, but, "DON'T get Windows 8 if you are [a programmer] like me. The thing has a freaking mind of its own."

Regarding all the negative feedback, a reader named David suggests that many of the detractors are either spoiled or lazy: "Windows 8 is very easy to use but you have to be willing to learn the new features and gestures of this new operating system, and it appears that a lot of people are not willing to do this. I love my Windows 8 Pro and have converted it to look and operate just the way my Windows 7 did. You can't be lazy people or you will miss out on this great version of Windows."

Windows 8 is a debacle. The brand new laptop I bought is NOT fast. In fact the apps that appear to be electronically superglued to the interface take up a HUGE amount of memory. It takes forever to upgrade and is cumbersome, not user friendly and difficult to use. I'm either going to return it and get a MAC or learn to use Linux. MS, stop doing this crap just because you have to justify all those engineers' salaries.

john:

Posted: 2013-06-13 @ 5:22pm PT

I just bought a laptop with windows 8 but I hate it and will never turn it on again I'll use my pc with windows 7.

Hate Hate Windows 8:

Posted: 2013-04-13 @ 10:41am PT

Donít buy any computer with the Windows 8 operating system installed. It was made for tablet-type products and is a complete, utter disaster for laptop and desktop applications. I am a long-time heavy user of Windows products and, ironically, believe Windows 7 one of the best operating systems anywhere. Windows 8 is more than frustrating, it is infuriating. And donít think you can buy a computer with Windows 8 then just have Windows 7 installed as several close friends say this doesnít always work. Your best bet is to buy a computer with Windows 7 already installed or go to Apple.

Gert:

Posted: 2013-04-07 @ 2:51am PT

I have a Surface Pro. Within a week I was not using my laptop anymore. I am an enterprise architecture, so my computer is my main tool and I love Windows 8. Just learn to use the charm bar. Yes it is not the best it can be but this is the first release. How many versions of Android and IOS have been released and still they have issues. I have an iPad and Galaxy tab but still prefer to work on the Surface Pro because of Windows 8.

HATE HATE Windows 8:

Posted: 2013-04-06 @ 8:02am PT

I made the mistake last week of buying a computer with Windows 8 on it. I am a long time Windows user and can tell you I HATE,HATE,HATE Windows 8. It is an absolute freaking disaster. Have been after the manufacturer to take the computer back and install Windows 7. Failing that it is off to Apple.

aw:

Posted: 2013-03-06 @ 11:45am PT

windows 8 is crap! u can downgrade to windows 7 if you can still afford to pay after being forced to buy windows 8. but then you have to pay for someone to help you do it. soon as i can afford to buy an apple I will then i am taking a hammer to this junk

WW:

Posted: 2013-03-05 @ 7:42am PT

Win 8 is terrible I wish I could get rid of it

Ash:

Posted: 2013-03-01 @ 8:35pm PT

I find it awkward and clunky. Dr Mike says it's fun, but when is the OS suppose to be fun? I have to constantly enter my email over and over, how is that fun?

j:

Posted: 2013-02-26 @ 1:43pm PT

I already hate apple, but Win 8 has reinforced my hatred for MS. Linux is now my final frontier.

Joyceh:

Posted: 2013-02-23 @ 9:29pm PT

I bought a laptop with win 8 already on it and as soon as i can, I am taking it off and going back to xp. Windows 8 is the worst version I have ever seen and I have seen all versions.

BobS:

Posted: 2013-02-23 @ 4:08pm PT

I'll state my opinion in just a few words: 8 is Microsoft's New Coke.

Louie:

Posted: 2013-02-22 @ 7:23pm PT

The comment in the article sums it up "if you know what the hell you're doing, avoid this POS operating system at all costs. If you have no clue about computers, you'll probably love it."

Jammie Lile:

Posted: 2013-02-21 @ 2:51pm PT

I HATE windows 8. I had to buy a laptop for classes. I bought it yesterday, took it home expecting a normal amount of time for a leanring curve, based on previous times that I've bought the "new" windows of the day. WRONG. This new format is terrible in my opinion. You'll be a week at least to get used to it. In addition, windows requires you to "sign in" to an account with them to even make use of many of the programs. You can't find anything, you're not even sure where to look!

BeadCatz:

Posted: 2013-02-21 @ 10:59am PT

This is the worst version Windows has ever come out with. I use my computer for business..this is NOT a good operating system for that. It takes 3 times longer now. I am now considering selling my brand new lap top and going to a Mac.

Thanks Microsoft for putting out yet another piece of junk. If I want Apps I can use my smart phone.

I HATE IT!!!! Either I get rid of it, or sell the new notebook I just purchased and buy a Mac.

Rich:

Posted: 2013-02-13 @ 2:19pm PT

As an IT manager, I can assure all of you that we will not be upgrading our 4000+ users to win8 anytime in the near future. It is simply not an OS that companies can use. It may be good for children under 5, but for doing any kind of productive work it is useless.

Larry:

Posted: 2013-02-12 @ 9:33pm PT

It's great. Love it. The only downside is that programs that are not windows8 apps load in the desktop. Hopefully windows will allow all programs to load without opening windows explorer in the near future (service pack 1?).

Steve:

Posted: 2013-02-11 @ 6:21pm PT

This is the first operating system that actually made me want to throw the computer out the door .... never been so frustrated while trying to do simple tasks! Ordered Windows 7 and they shipped this - how's that for customer service!!

dogface:

Posted: 2013-02-10 @ 4:17pm PT

Windows 8 is the most disgusting operating system for a desktop computer I have seen. I would not use it if they gave it away for free. I don't just dislike it, I hate it! I never actually hated an operating system from Microsoft before this. The main reason is that I have no choice. I want a desktop operating system for my desktop. Windows 8 looks OK for a touch device, but since I have no choice in my desktop OS I will not buy any Windows 8 device and I will advise all I know not to buy Windows 8 devices.

win8 sucks:

Posted: 2013-02-10 @ 10:30am PT

i hate it, but then again i love it because it gave linux a new user

Alvin:

Posted: 2013-02-10 @ 12:45am PT

For the average home user, I suppose Windows 8 will work fine. It's designed to be a 'quick-touch and go' operating system, meaning your email and playful apps are readily available. Unfortunately, Microsoft has left anyone using Windows for work out in the cold. I'm a network engineer and familiar with many different kinds of operating systems. Our desk computers are Windows 7. They are functional, clean, and relatively quick to use. After testing Windows 8 for a corporate environment, I can safely say that we will not be upgrading to it. Simply put, it is not for the multi-tasker. You will find it difficult to have a ticketing system open while reading your email and monitoring another application for things going on in your network. I don't understand why Microsoft would alienate corporations in this way... but it's just another reason to switch over to Ubuntu for a corporate environment.

Mike:

Posted: 2013-02-09 @ 3:13pm PT

I just downgraded my Windows 8 to Windows 7. I might have lost my warranty on my new HP laptop, but it was either this or throw it out the window, because my attempts to use Windows 8 reduced me to tears and hair-tearing. For me - a writer - a computer is like a car. I want to buy it, put my key in the ignition, and head off down the road. I don't want to open the hood and try to figure out how it works. I don't give a sh*t. Several HP "help desk" people told me, when I called to ask how to get Windows 7 back, to "take a class" to learn Win8. Like I have the time for that! Like I care! In the past, I have always defended Microsoft to my Mac-using friends, but those days are over. I hope I never have to set eyes on this infuriating product every again.

Ken Wood:

Posted: 2013-02-07 @ 5:02pm PT

Upgrade to Linux it's easier.

LaJana Yalowsky:

Posted: 2013-02-07 @ 12:38pm PT

Hate is not a strong enough word. I am trying to relearn everything! My frustration level is at an all time high. I REALLY thought I could get used to this operating system, but I just hate my new computer. It's sad.

Bonnie Warren:

Posted: 2013-02-06 @ 7:04pm PT

I loathe Windows 8.

CHRISTINE:

Posted: 2013-02-06 @ 12:11pm PT

I hate Windows 8 because any work I have to do takes hours to do, not the actual product that I produce, but its management and sharing, editing and usage. The loss of time, in this difficult economy when work performance really matters, and when nerves are frayed enough as it is, you cannot keep Windows 7 or Office 2010, but HAVE to buy this junk. Are you kidding me? I will need blood pressure medicine just to continue using all this "new" and "upgraded" crap. Doesn't anyone care about the user anymore? FUNCTION matters more than cutesie tiles! no start? no normal games, like solitaire? Worst product ever, ever, ever.

hater of windows 8:

Posted: 2013-02-06 @ 9:08am PT

How BIG can I say that I HATE WINDOWS 8??? There is not one thing I like about it. I would bet my last dollar that a bunch of underaged geeks came up with this plan and laugh at the multitude of people that absolutely ABHOR Windows 8. My brand new laptop which came with Windows 8 installed is in the trash can now. It takes a week of instructions to even FIND things that is hidden. EVERYTHING IS HIDDEN.

Cathy:

Posted: 2013-02-05 @ 7:09pm PT

My kids are very excited for this version of Windows - for the entertainment factor.

But this version of Windows is not the environment for business use; which my purchase of a new laptop this week is for. I did not buy it for social networking. If only I would have understood that when purchasing :(

Not user friendly at all, I have a degree in computers and find this version of Windows cumbersome to navigate!! I miss the START button (and solitaire, that was my brain break!) I wish I could go back...

Steve:

Posted: 2013-02-05 @ 5:21pm PT

List me as one who hates it. I want to switch this new desktop to XP. Anyone who can offer another solution please let me know.

Ben:

Posted: 2013-02-04 @ 7:01am PT

I hated windows 8 the first I installed it. Had several issues with combatility with applications, windows activation, crashed my external HD, reinstalled windows 3 to 4 times from scratch to get it right etc. I'd rather stay with windows 7. I was so frustrated with the navigation cause I didn't know what to do. It took me about 2 wks to knowing the basic function of windows 8. When it come to getting work done, it's not the OS to use. They took off the windows start menu...why?

Nguyen:

Posted: 2013-02-03 @ 5:23pm PT

I love it, I had a Macintosh before (3 Macintoshes), and an XP before that, but I absolutely love Windows 8, it is easy to use, simpler, the applications are efficient, Internet Exlorer 10 is better than FireFox, WaterFox, Safari and Google Chrome combined, the Start Menu is easy to use (I don't even miss the start-button), the charms bar works like a charm ;) and everything about is is awesome. BEST O.S. EVER, kudos to Microsoft for creating this awesome piece of software, worth every euro-cent I spend on it, and more.

sue:

Posted: 2013-02-02 @ 9:03pm PT

Hate Hate Hate it! I'm a fairly intelligent person with a home office, and on Thursday this week I bought a brand new computer (old one died) loaded with Windows 8. Today is Saturday, I've spent MANY hours, not to mention tears of frustration and pulling my hair out, trying to figure this thing out and tomorrow it is all going back to the store and I have to start all over with something else. It seems my only choices are Windows 7 or changing over to the Mac. For as much money as I spent on all this, I'm disappointed and angry that I don't have better choices. I certainly am not going to spend one more second trying to learn this insane system. Yes I loved my XP, never had even one problem with it, it wasn't broke. I'll probably just switch over to the Mac cuz I love my iPad and now expect better product from Apple than Microsoft.

JB:

Posted: 2013-02-02 @ 9:22am PT

If you can't figure out how windows 8 works, look it up online. It's not hard.. At all. Also, it has windows 7 in the desktop tile, and you can ignore the modern addition entirely if you don't like the feel of it.

Don_A:

Posted: 2013-02-02 @ 8:43am PT

I laughed when they said the PC was dead, but that is before I installed Windows 8. How about taking every skill you have learned in the past 30 years, tossing it out and starting over? That is a close start. MS has proven they can take a $3000 machine and make it work every bit as well as a $50 cell phone. But bottom line is, if you own a business and pay employees by the hour, "upgrading" to 8 is not going to be your best move this year.

Westborough Jerry:

Posted: 2013-01-31 @ 1:00pm PT

I absolutely hate windows 8. The product is very confusing. It appears Microsoft is trying to copy Apple. They are doing a lousy job. These kind of products will cause the stock to go down. Unload your stock now.

John Wilson:

Posted: 2013-01-31 @ 12:09pm PT

I hate having to sign in all the time. For security, that should be a choice I make not you..I live with a dog. I need my gmail and websites available as in Win 7. The first few days there were intrusive singing commercials..I just about shot my old HP Pavillion. My computer is MY SPACE not yours and I want easy access..NOW!!

WalterK:

Posted: 2013-01-31 @ 11:48am PT

Most "Haters" I know already dislike anything Microsoft
My 5 yr old Grandson learned to navigate to his games and the Internet (w/Supervision) in minutes. These people have so little patience, especially with something new.
Microsoft has done something great here: They have taken an OS and made it work on Smart Phones, PC's, and Laptops/Tablets. If I learn in on one I will have little or no trouble using it on another device.
But...It is also something new and I did not expect perfection. I love and look forward to any enhancements MS will make as the criticisms and suggestions roll in. But this vitriol I read on many feeds like this are not helpful to anyone.

MC:

Posted: 2013-01-30 @ 10:08pm PT

Awful OS !!!! Regret ever having gotten it! I didn't really intend to switch from Vista. Yes, Vista is a heck better than this horrible OS.
What on earth were they thinking at MS? Did they forget that most people who bought PCs over Macs bought them because they were easier to learn and use! Hello...
Hope MS does something to help those of us who are stuck with this thing!!!
Help us out MS...

Judy:

Posted: 2013-01-30 @ 9:28pm PT

I hate it-my first experience was buying it on line for my old lap top and having that computer WHIPED! I then purchased a new lap top and find I can't do anything I did with ease with w 7. I spent $30.00 on a book and am laboring- trying to get back to the simplicity of 7. if it ain't broke don't break it!

justa mom:

Posted: 2013-01-30 @ 4:31pm PT

HATE IT!!!!!!

jds:

Posted: 2013-01-30 @ 12:02pm PT

I can't imagine how anyone could like this beast. Nothing works. Try to doanything with a PDF and you are in for frustration. I don't want to relearn everything. And I don't want to have to default to a MS app for everything. I was really comfortable with 7. I hate 8 even more than Word which is saying a lot.

nic:

Posted: 2013-01-30 @ 6:48am PT

HATE HATE HATE HATE 8 8 8 8 8

Sucks more than Apple..and that's saying alot!

Ricardo:

Posted: 2013-01-29 @ 6:11am PT

Just search "Windows 8 apps won't open" and you'll get a sense of how messed up this OS is.

Cal:

Posted: 2013-01-28 @ 10:54am PT

And btw 'applesux', ur 11 year old son must be a stephen hawkins prodigy! 10 minutes to learn everything.. Took me 10 minutes to find desktop! I think i smell a rat
And just cos w8 is taking criticism doesnt mean we all work for apple.. I also dont own any apple products. But still, this W8 is awful

Cal:

Posted: 2013-01-28 @ 10:46am PT

I also seem to have a number of things open unintentionally, by swiping by accident, and theres no option to close them. For example, when i left swipe, i have hotmail open, msn waiting for me to sign in, my picture library, my camera on waiting for me to take a picture, some bing weather thing, and then the desktop which is the only thing i actually want open. Wouldnt be so bad if i could actually close these things that ive accidentally opened, but theres no option to do so, so theyre just constantly running in the background.
Its not clinging onto old habits, taking away such an essential necessity like the start button is totally absurd.

Bart:

Posted: 2013-01-27 @ 3:54am PT

I'm amazed that so many younger people are clinging so hard to old habits. Give it a chance, you'll see that win 8 is not only faster but also quite intuitive to use. The crashes are due to old drivers and software. Get updates. Do your install properly. If you start out with an opinion, all you will get is frustrated. If you start out with an open mind later you'll wonder what all the fuss was about. Grow up people.

Frank Waldron:

Posted: 2013-01-27 @ 1:44am PT

I have no particular use for it. No real improvements are obvious and a lot of steps have been taken to remove features we normally take for granted, like a Start button. Try finding Windows Media Player in Windows 8, it takes quite a while. Where's Control Panel? Happy hunting.

Koko:

Posted: 2013-01-26 @ 9:21pm PT

I hate Windows 8. It's not about work and practicality, it's about style and being trendy. But it's just stupid.

Laura:

Posted: 2013-01-26 @ 7:28pm PT

Windows 8 is a productivity killer. I want a desktop that I don't have to swipe to go places...heloo I am not holding the monitor in my hands. Bring back the start button!

Don't like the look of the GUI at all, reminds me of W98 with a mess of icons on the desktop.

I would also go back to W7 if I had the Pro version, but I had the Home Premium and wanted to move to the pro version, so I took the deal for new computer buyers, 15 bucks was a deal to go Pro and the media center thrown in for free.

Since Oct 26th, I have re done things to at least think I have W7 back, all except the Aero. I found a 3rd party start menu (start8) found the old MS games, and even found a gadgets progam (8gadgets) so its at least in a workable way.

I do hope MS comes out with at least a patch (SP) to allow non touch desktop and laptop users the same interface as W7. I don't have a cell/smart phone as it is.

The OS would be OK and just another "upgrade" as they go, but the way it came out the box for ALL users wasn't exactly the best idea, and is going to be nothing but a headache for MS.

Cal:

Posted: 2013-01-26 @ 1:32am PT

Going on the desktop is not like Windows 7 or vista anyway. It has no start menu in the bottom left, that's what I hate about it. There must be a start menu somewhere, but I've been using it for months now and still haven't found it. It's really difficult to find any program you want to open without having a start menu. And also, I had to sign in using my email address password, so basically if anyone ever hacks my email, I can't get on my laptop anymore?? Not looking forward to crossing that bridge when I inevitably come to it. What a stupid idea that is!

applesux:

Posted: 2013-01-26 @ 12:34am PT

WE LOVE WIN 8 PRO. There is NOTHING WRONG with win8. We just upgraded 3 computers and it worked PERFECT. if you are not sure, just run the WIN COMPATIBILITY and it will check your computer to make sure your hardware will work with win8. If you have a touch screen it's even more fun, but you do NOT need IT. KEAYBOARD AND MOUSE WORKS JUST AS GOOD. I LOVE IT. These Apple cry babies just need to take 10 min and learn ALL THE COOL tricks on it. My 11 year boy learned it in less than 10 min and can do EVERYTHING on it with NO PROB. STOP being a cry babies. It's FAST and FUN and eats APPLE FOR LUNCH. APPLE SUCKS, even if they pay me I will NEVER use ANY iGARBAGE iOS or OSX & iJUNK products.

It'S EASY and FUN.

N Cobden:

Posted: 2013-01-25 @ 11:17pm PT

Thumbs down. There really wasn't anything wrong with the previous operating system, and it only really becomes usable for PC users if one takes great pains to set it up to resemble Windows 7. Otherwise, it sorely lacks ease of navigation, which is something one would think would improve over time with each new release but this one has gone dizzily backwards. I predict this one will be among the shortest-lived releases from Microsoft, it's an actual embarrassment. OK for touch, not OK for non-touch, and they'll have to fix this one way or the other. I really believe they expected most of the world to throw out their keyboard and mouse just so that people could scoop up the incredible Windows 8. Won't happen, ever.

Rob:

Posted: 2013-01-25 @ 8:44pm PT

Windows 8 IS GARBAGE. I HATE Windows 8. There are programs that don't work half the time, I have to restart the computer and they will work for a brief time after restart, big example is windows media player. Then the whole computer locks up for no reason for a few minutes at a time or will restart for no reason. BIG PIECE OF JUNK WINDOWS 8. Don't buy a computer with Windows 8, I repeat do not buy. Windows 7 is a good operating system and there are a few computers left on Amazon.com with Windows 7. I hope that Microsoft will come out with another good OS soon. It seems like they screw up every other time. XP and Windows 7 were good but Vista and now Windows 8 sucks. HURRY UP MICROSOFT with a new OS!!!

Zorinfan:

Posted: 2013-01-25 @ 7:41pm PT

Hate windows 8 so much that I installed Linux Ubuntu zorin. Very happy with it. Windows 8 was forced on me by the PC world that now only sells Windows 8 machines.

Sandra:

Posted: 2013-01-25 @ 6:07am PT

NOT FOR BUSINESS. I need to run Quickbooks, a spreadsheet, a wordprocessor, a pop-up calculator, maps (gps) and a program to dispatch my service trucks. I do NOT need Netflix, music, news, social media or games. If I wanted a smart phone on my desk, I would place my iphone on it.

duncan hume:

Posted: 2013-01-24 @ 12:06pm PT

I do not find Windows 8 difficult to use, it just does a lousy job. Slow to load, programs run much slower than Windows 7 and back to the blue screen of death - really, Windows 8 crashes randomly, that is just so passe. Microsoft deserves to and will go out of business. Going to get a Chromebox see if that works better

Bravo5MN:

Posted: 2013-01-24 @ 7:07am PT

My initial impression of Win8 was not positive. I gave it a try as an early adopter on an older laptop and just couldn't get used to the new interface. There weren't too many legitimate apps at that time - certainly ones that were properly functioning. I gave up on it for a few weeks.

Then a colleague suggested something painfully obvious - "treat it like your smartphone and then guage your experience again..." This was a nice way to approach it. I've been an Android user for 2+ years and using this way of thinking has certainly helped me. I now use Win8 on my primary and secondary personal devices, but I cannot say I'm ready to take the leap in my work world, nor for my fellow employees in a work environment.

Win8 is not for everyone - that's a Captain Obvious statement, but I just helped my brother buy a new laptop as well as another friend - both with Win8. It's required a bit of handholding in both cases, but they are both (non-technical folk) enjoying the app interface w/ the ability to go old-school desktop when needed.

Nicole:

Posted: 2013-01-24 @ 1:56am PT

I agree with Nick. We all work on computers daily. I will be studying this year and needed a new laptop. How sad I am that it comes with Windows 8. I work in an office on MS Vista and XP and why should one have to relearn everything? We do not have the time.

Now wishing I had made the leap to Apple...Had not chosen that as I thought the learning would be too steep....Silly me! Hate Windows 8. Thinking of taking PC back.

john:

Posted: 2013-01-23 @ 10:30pm PT

>>"I love my Windows 8 Pro and have converted it to look and operate just the way my Windows 7 did. You can't be lazy people or you will miss out on this great version of Windows."

If you love it so much, why did you change it back to windows 7?

Maybe we could just personally design an interface for Microsoft since they don't seem to realize we need to do work on these damn things, not play with trendy little media apps on tiles all day.

PRK:

Posted: 2013-01-23 @ 7:29pm PT

I'll probably get slammed for saying this, but... I actually like Windows 8 very much. I think it boots faster and is better in many ways. Microsoft says it's more secure and that's no small matter. Maybe it's the fun factor someone else mentioned above -- it just has a nice feel to it. And pretty much, you can add back any functionality you feel you're missing in comparison with earlier versions.

Rory:

Posted: 2013-01-23 @ 7:05pm PT

I think it's a huge step backwards in ease of use. Not intuitive at all, from my point of view. I say thumbs down and really too bad, after all the hype it got.